Horace Hodge, laborer, 36 years of age, and single, residing at 106 Maclaggan street, was found last night with his throat cut. He had run down the steps at the top of that street into Fitzgerald's stables, where he collapsed. Drs Gordon Macdonald and Carswell were called, and attended to the man, who was removed by Constable Sivier to the Hospital in a critical condition about 8.50 p.m. At 5 p.m. to-day the patient's condition was reported to be still serious. -Evening Star, 27/11/1916.
Horace Hodge, who was admitted to the Hospital on Sunday evening with his throat cut, was operated on yesterday. At a late hour last night he was reported to be in a low condition. -Otago Daily Times, 29/11/1916.
DUNEDIN, December 3. Horace Hodge, a labourer, 36 years of age, single, who cut his throat last Sunday, died in the hospital this morning. -Press, 4/12/1916.
INQUESTS
HORACE HODGE.
An inquest was held at the Hospital this morning concerning the death of Horace Hodge, aged 35, laborer, who was admitted to the Hospital on November 26 suffering from injuries to his throat, and who died on 3rd inst. Mr J. R. .Bartholomew, S.M., coroner, conducted the inquiry, and Constable Sivyer represented the police.
Albert Henry Hodge identified the body as that of his brother. Deceased had resided with witness at 106 Maclaggan street during the past six months. About 7.45 on Sunday evening deceased and witness were the only ones at home, and whilst upstairs witness heard a noise in the backyard, and on looking out saw deceased staggering about the yard. He rushed down and caught hold of deceased, and asked him what was the matter, but received no reply. He then noticed blood running from the vicinity of his throat. When about to apply a towel deceased ran down the steps into Maclaggan street towards Fitzgerald's stables, when he caught him. Medical aid was at once summoned. He knew of no reason which would cause his brother to commit suicide. He was not in financial difficulties. He had heard deceased say that he would not go to the war, and he had endeavored to go to sea. He was not drawn in the ballot. He was 35 years of age. He had always enjoyed good health. Since being admitted to the Hospital deceased had not made any statement to witness as to being in any trouble. His brother had a razor, which was now missing.
Dr Carswell deposed to attending deceased at Fitzgerald’s stables on the evening of November 26. When witness arrived deceased was being attended to by Dr Gordon Macdonald. He assisted Dr Macdonald to stitch the wound. Deceased was subsequently removed to the Hospital, where witness administered further treatment. There was a wound in the upper part of the front of the neck which had apparently been inflicted by a sharp instrument, and had the appearance of having been self-inflicted. Deceased rallied sufficiently to enable an operation to be made upon his throat, but the septic condition which was already present in the neck gradually spread, and the patient succumbed at 10.15 a.m. on the 3rd inst. The cause of death was septic infection and septic pneumonia, following on the man’s condition. Deceased made one attempt to harm himself while in the ward. He succeeded in getting one hand free, and caused further trouble in his neck.
Ellen Hodge said that she was the mother of deceased. She was at church on the evening of the 26th. Her son at no time gave any reason why he should attempt to take his life. He was very quiet all day on Sunday, and did not answer witness when he was asked a question. He did not have any financial or other worries as far as witness was aware. He did not drink to excess. She said deceased seemed troubled about the war, but this was some three months ago. She had not heard him say anything about the ballot.
The Coroner's verdict was that death was caused by septic infection and septic pneumonia, following on injuries to the neck caused by a razor, self-inflicted by the deceased on the 26th November. -Evening Star, 4/12/1916.
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